On vacation last week, so catching up a week’s worth of updates on arms across the league, focused on recovery and performance in return from injury.
Daniel Espino – Cleveland Guardians – March 1, 2026
Espino threw 1.0 scoreless inning against Arizona, allowing no hits or walks while retiring the side in order on nine pitches (five strikes). His fastball sat between 95–98 mph and reached 98, with the four‑seamer serving as his primary pitch. This marked an encouraging Spring Training debut following nearly three missed seasons due to arm and shoulder surgeries in 2023 and 2024. Command appeared solid in the short outing, though durability remains the primary concern as Cleveland considers whether to build him up as a starter or transition him to a bullpen role.
Michael King – San Diego Padres – February 25 & March 2, 2026
King’s spring has been uneven across two outings. On February 25, he threw 2.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts, no walks, and improved sinker velocity at 93.4 mph. On March 2, he struggled over 2.1 innings, allowing five hits and four earned runs with two walks. The contrast reflects typical spring variability as he continues building consistency after a 2025 season limited by shoulder and knee issues.
Kyle Hurt – Los Angeles Dodgers – no game data
Hurt has logged 3.0 total spring innings across multiple appearances, striking out six without issuing a walk while allowing two hits and one earned run. His fastball velocity has sat just under 97 mph, and his changeup has generated swings and misses. Returning from Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2025 season, he is being prepared for a multi‑inning relief role as the Dodgers manage his workload.
Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers – March 5, 2026
DeGrom made his Spring Training debut against Team Brazil, pitching 2.0 innings while allowing one earned run on a solo home run and striking out three batters. His four‑seam fastball averaged 97.6 mph, slightly above his 2025 average, with a 71% strike rate. The Rangers are following a gradual buildup plan similar to 2025, prioritizing durability after prior elbow surgery while maintaining his role as the staff ace.
Gerrit Cole – New York Yankees – no game data
Cole has reached 97 mph in live bullpen sessions and is reported to be progressing well through his rehabilitation following Tommy John surgery in March 2025. He is not expected to return to game action until around May or June 2026, with workload management anticipated upon his return.
Jackson Jobe – Detroit Tigers – no game data
Jobe is recovering from hybrid Tommy John surgery performed in June 2025 and reported strong progress in early March. He is currently long tossing and expects to begin bullpen sessions by mid‑April. While initially projected for a late‑season return, he has expressed optimism about contributing meaningful innings in 2026, with durability remaining a key consideration.
Jordan Montgomery – Texas Rangers – no game data
Montgomery missed the entire 2025 season following preseason Tommy John surgery and is not expected to return until the second half of 2026. His effectiveness upon return will depend on how well his command and overall stuff rebound after the extended layoff.
Manuel Rodríguez – Tampa Bay Rays – no game data
Rodríguez underwent surgery to repair a right elbow flexor strain in August 2025 and was placed on the 60‑day IL in February 2026. He is targeting a mid‑season return, with expectations that Tampa Bay will ease him back into competitive innings, potentially in a bullpen role.
Trevor Williams – Washington Nationals – no game data
Williams is recovering from internal brace surgery performed in July 2025 for a partially torn UCL and is expected to miss the first half of the 2026 season. Upon return, a bullpen role is being considered as he works to regain mechanics and pitch separation following prior starter struggles.
DJ Herz – Washington Nationals – no game data
Herz underwent full Tommy John surgery in April 2025 and is expected to miss the first half of the 2026 season. A second‑half return would mark his first major league action post‑surgery, with workload management and rehab performance guiding his role.
Spencer Strider – Atlanta Braves – March 5, 2026
Strider pitched 2.1 innings against Toronto, allowing two earned runs on two hits and one walk while striking out four. His fastball averaged 95 mph and topped out at 96.7 mph, an uptick from earlier in spring, and his slider generated a strong whiff rate. Improved velocity was the key takeaway as he continues working back toward pre‑injury effectiveness.
Shane Bieber – Toronto Blue Jays – no game data
Bieber has not appeared in a Spring Training game as of early March and is dealing with right forearm fatigue and inflammation following a late‑2025 return from Tommy John surgery. He is expected to begin the 2026 season on the injured list, with no firm timetable for game action.
Didier Fuentes – Atlanta Braves – March 7, 2026
Fuentes threw 2.0 scoreless innings with four strikeouts, no walks, and no hits, averaging 97.4 mph on his four‑seam fastball. He generated seven whiffs on ten swings and demonstrated strong command up in the zone. The outing marked an encouraging return following a shoulder issue, positioning him as a potential bullpen contributor in 2026.
Merrill Kelly – Arizona Diamondbacks – no game data
Kelly threw a 23‑pitch live batting practice session on March 8 as he continues working back from a back injury and intercostal nerve irritation. While the session represented progress, he is still expected to miss Opening Day, with durability remaining a concern until he returns to game action.
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